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As Americans reflect on our 250-year history as a sovereign nation, there’s no better time to appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty the country offers.
Several campgrounds sit within landscapes that have been federally protected for more than a century.
Yosemite Valley, for example, was preserved under the Yosemite Grant, which President Abraham Lincoln signed into law in June 1864.
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The area became Yosemite National Park in 1890, decades before many of the country’s other iconic national parks were established in the early 20th century.
James Kaiser, the Montana-based author of several national park guidebooks, said each of our featured campgrounds offers a unique way to experience America’s natural landscapes.
Several of the nation’s best-known campgrounds give visitors easy access to hiking, wildlife viewing and unforgettable natural scenery. (iStock)
“North Pines in Yosemite and Watchman in Zion offer breathtaking scenery — even by national park standards,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Both are situated beneath towering cliffs, and you’ll enjoy a spectacular light show at [the] golden hour. … When it’s time for bed, you’ll sleep under a glittering blanket of stars.”
He noted that Blackwoods, Mather and Many Glacier are all situated in forests with more limited views, but campers are very close to some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.
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These campgrounds “are steps from some of the most gorgeous scenery in America — the rugged coast of Maine, the multicolored depths of [the] Grand Canyon, and the towering peaks of Glacier,” he said.
Here are five campgrounds generally considered the best across the nation.
1. North Pines Campground at Yosemite National Park
North Pines Campground is one of three campgrounds in Yosemite Valley that accept reservations.
The campground is known for waterfalls, granite cliffs, deep valleys and ancient giant sequoias, according to Recreation.gov.
Campsites typically sell out within minutes of becoming available, the site notes.
The campgrounds are near the Merced River, which offers rafting opportunities. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing and photography are popular as well.
Campsites at Yosemite typically sell out within minutes of becoming available. (iStock)
2. Mather Campground at Grand Canyon National Park
This campground is steps from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, where visitors can see the famous panoramic views.
The National Park Service’s (NPS) website notes that the campground offers 327 camping sites.
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“Each includes a campfire ring … picnic table, parking space and room for up to six people, three tents and two vehicles,” the site says.
There are flush toilets and drinking water, according to the site.
The campground offers 15 first-come, first-served sites that go on sale at 8 a.m. each day, and the site does not offer hook-ups or electricity.
Mather Campground places visitors just steps from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. (Robbin Goddard/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
3. Watchman Campground at Zion National Park
Near the Virgin River, Watchman Campground offers easy access to hiking trails, biking, ranger programs, photography and stargazing.
“Zion is known for its dynamic geologic history and Watchman Campground is no exception,” Recreation.gov says.
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Named for the rocky peak above it, the campground is surrounded by tall sandstone cliffs that appear red and orange during sunrise and sunset.
Campers can also cool down in the river, which runs adjacent to the campground.
Travelers can get very close to some of the country’s most spectacular scenery at the top campgrounds in the nation. (Josh Brasted/Getty Images)
4. Many Glacier Campground at Glacier National Park
Many Glacier Campground sits within Glacier National Park, near Browning, Montana.
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The campground offers hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing and fishing amid towering mountain peaks, alpine lakes and dense forest.
It is situated in a Douglas fir, lodgepole pine and quaking aspen forest, Recreation.gov notes. “Vegetation is dense and provides partial shade for almost all campsites,” the site says.
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Officials warn that at times there can be strong wind gusts, though tree cover provides some protection.
Many Glacier Campground is on the east side of the Continental Divide. Trails are available for day hiking and overnight backpacking, the site says.
Many Glacier Campground sits among Douglas fir, lodgepole pine and quaking aspen trees that provide shade across much of the campground. (iStock)
5. Blackwoods Campground at Acadia National Park
Maine’s Acadia National Park is the only national park in New England.
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It offers visitors access to the rugged Atlantic coastline, plus granite peaks and scenic hiking trails.
Blackwoods Campground, located on Mount Desert Island, gives campers access to mountains, lakes, streams, wetlands, forests, meadows and beaches.
America’s national park campgrounds offer visitors a chance to experience towering mountains, deep valleys, forests, rivers and scenic coastlines. (DeAgostini/Getty Images)
All campground sites are wooded and within a 10-minute walk of the ocean, according to Recreation.gov.
Walks along the coastline, mountain hikes, biking, kayaking and canoeing and narrated boat cruises are all favorite pastimes at Acadia.